Banners asking army chief Raheel Sharif to contest elections pop up in Pakistan

The posters claimed that Sharif's election would end the civilian-military tensions currently brewing in the coup-prone country

Mysterious banners appeared on Saturday in Pakistan appealing army chief General Raheel Sharif who is set to retire this month to contest elections.

The banners, put up on electricity poles in Rawalpindi, urged Sharif to contest the elections in 2018.

Since government officials cannot enter politics for at least two years after leaving service, the banners also urged that the mandatory period should be reduced in case of Sharif.

They claimed that the election of Sharif will end tensions between the military and the government.

It is not for the first time that banners have appeared in favour of the army chief. Previously also banners addressing him had urged him to "stay on" and asked the government to extend his tenure.

 

In July, posters were seen in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and several other major cities, urging the general to impose martial law instead of retiring.

The army has so far not commented on the banners.